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2 months ago | 
irrigationtoday.org | Nathan Bowen
As Congress kicks off what is sure to be an impactful 2025 for agriculture, the challenges facing the farm economy are shaping the contours of key legislative debates, from the farm bill to broader trade and infrastructure policy. Declining net farm income, tightening margins and evolving global trade dynamics are putting increased pressure on lawmakers to address the needs of rural America.
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Dec 3, 2024 | 
irrigationtoday.org | Nathan Bowen
As the 2024 election draws nearer, the potential policies of a former President Donald Trump or Vice President Kamala Harris administration present two starkly different paths for the irrigation industry. Both candidates bring distinct approaches to agriculture policy, conservation, taxes, trade and regulation — areas that significantly impact our sector.
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Aug 21, 2024 | 
irrigationtoday.org | Nathan Bowen
The House Committee on Agriculture advanced the GOP-led farm bill markup out of the committee with a 33-21 vote before Memorial Day. Four committee Democrats joined the Republicans to advance the bill. Let’s break that down. Hopes fading for 2024 Farm BillIn order for any farm bill to become law, a compromise that attracts votes from both sides of the aisle is essential.
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Apr 23, 2024 | 
irrigationtoday.org | Nathan Bowen
Every spring in Washington, we are graced with the annual spectacle of cherry blossoms along the Tidal Basin, which signal both the return of the season and the time of year when people from all over the country descend on the city to take in the sights. This March, members of the Irrigation Association descended on Washington to take irrigation’s message straight to the heart of our nation’s capital. The importance of having a seat at the table in Washington cannot be overstated.
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Jan 10, 2024 | 
irrigationtoday.org | Nathan Bowen
In an era where gridlock in Washington often stalls progress, it’s crucial for those of us in the irrigation industry to remember the power of our narrative. This isn’t just a message for the halls of Congress. It’s a story that needs to resonate in every corner of our nation, from local soil and water conservation boards to state legislators and Natural Resources Conservation Service officials. It’s easy to become fixated on the federal level, given its sweeping influence.
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Nov 19, 2023 | 
irrigationtoday.org | Nathan Bowen
Developing a professional, expert workforce is one of the key strategic priorities that drive the focus of the Irrigation Association. In a world where the rapid pace of technological change is a given, an agile, knowledgeable workforce isn’t just a luxury — it’s a necessity. That’s why the Irrigation Association is partnering with hundreds of other organizations to advocate for important legislation to help us advance an expert workforce.
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Sep 28, 2023 | 
irrigazette.com | Nathan Bowen
Unless Congress reaches a short-term funding agreement by Saturday, the federal government will shut down beginning the morning of Oct. 1. The following are potential impacts a shutdown could have on your business:Disruptions with some U.S. Department of Agriculture farm and conservation programs, notably marketing assistance loans, could cause delays in payments to producers and impact their cash flow and ability to make large purchases. Project approvals could also be delayed.
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Jul 1, 2023 | 
irrigationtoday.org | Nathan Bowen
In March, industry advocates representing a wide range of companies along with members of the Irrigation Association staff gathered in Washington, D.C., for the 2023 Irrigation Association Fly-In to highlight the important role irrigation plays in society and to highlight key IA policy priorities. Industry advocates represented industry perspectives and concerns from more than 10 states and spent time discussing key industry priorities with lawmakers and their staff.
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Apr 20, 2023 | 
irrigationtoday.org | Nathan Bowen
In mid-February, the Irrigation Association had the opportunity to present some of the key priorities of the association regarding the farm bill in front of lawmakers, including House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-California; Glenn Thompson, chairman of the House committee on agriculture, R-Pennsylvania; and several other congressional members at the 2023 World Agriculture Expo in Tulare, California.
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Feb 13, 2023 | 
irrigationtoday.org | Nathan Bowen
As we begin a new year, the state of the farm economy, uncertainty in key global markets for U.S. ag exports like Mexico and China, and drought in many parts of the country all represent challenges for farmers and related industries. Looming gridlock in Washington could add to those challenges. Meanwhile, large portions of the country are currently experiencing drought conditions. The irrigation industry has a tremendous opportunity to be front and center as part of the solution.
